PhilSA confirms China rocket launch; warns of debris in drop zones

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — A loud explosion was heard across the sky here on Wednesday morning following the launch of a Long March 12 rocket by the People’s Republic of China.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch, which was held at around 10:45 a.m. Philippine Standard Time from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan.

PhilSA has likewise identified possible drop zones of rocket debris at approximately 25 nautical miles from the city and 19 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

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READ: Metallic debris with Chinese markings found on Batangas shore

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The agency once again issued warnings about debris from the rocket, such as booster fairings, which are designed to detach as the craft enters outer space.

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA stated in an advisory on its website.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” it added.

PhilSA further stated that as global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground, noting that the Philippine government is inviting international partners to explore how to “develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground.”

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READ: PhilSA warns of Chinese rocket debris falling in PH waters

It also reiterated its advice to the public to inform authorities if suspected debris is sighted and cautioned against retrieving or coming into close contact with materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel./coa

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